Bus

Solar-powered bus debuts in Australian fleet

The city of Adelaide, Australia introduced into service the world's first solar-powered electric bus that is recharged using 100% solar energy. The bus, named Tindo, the Aboriginal word for "sun," operates on the Adelaide City Council's free Connector Bus service.

Manufactured by New Zealand company Designline International, the bus doesn't have a combustion engine, which makes it a very quiet, zero emissions vehicle. Other features of the vehicle include a regenerative braking system, saving up to 30% energy consumption.

The air-conditioned vehicle, which can carry up to 40 passengers, is not equipped with solar panels, but is recharged using a solar photovoltaic system installed at the Adelaide Central bus station.

The bus has covered over 34,000 miles since February, saved the city over 4,000 gallons of diesel and reduced CO2 emissions by more than 150,000 pounds in its first year. Tindo is able to travel about 120 miles between recharges under typical urban conditions.

Tier One modernizes 300 stops along two of GRTC’s busiest routes with each stop receiving upgrades that include new flags with clearly visible route and bus stop numbers as well as eye-level, easy-to-use printed schedule and map information.

The 8.3-mile route, with a proposed 27 stops, would replace the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s current Route 1 from downtown Lansing to the Meridian Mall. Results from the plan’s environmental assessment study are expected to be shared at a public hearing this fall.